Dark clouds loomed over downtown Hamilton late Wednesday morning, unleashing a heavy downpour. Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm warning at approximately 10:45 a.m., coinciding with the onset of the rain. By mid-afternoon, the warning was downgraded to a thunderstorm watch, but the rain continued, with a 70 percent chance of afternoon showers and the risk of thunderstorms extending into the evening.
“Meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing very strong wind gusts, up to nickel-sized hail, and heavy rain,” the weather agency stated. Earlier in the day, the agency had noted wind gusts could reach up to 50 km/h.
The torrential rainfall was expected to release up to 50 mm of rain within an hour, accompanied by wind gusts reaching up to 90 km/h. The agency noted that the risk of thunderstorms would persist into the early evening. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Environment Canada warned that large hail could damage property and cause injury, while strong wind gusts could displace objects, damage weak structures, break tree branches, and overturn large vehicles.
Emergency Management Ontario has urged residents to take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches. The combination of severe weather elements is a significant concern for residents and authorities alike, highlighting the importance of staying informed and prepared.
The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) issued an urgent flood watch in response to the severe weather forecast. Water resources engineer Jonathan Bastien stated in a news release that water levels and flows in all area watercourses are expected to increase significantly. “Localized watercourse flooding of low-lying areas that typically flood during higher water levels is expected,” Bastien noted. “In addition, there is some potential for significant watercourse flooding if strong thunderstorms occur.”
Bastien explained that the Hamilton area could receive up to 30 mm of rain, with an additional 10 to 25 mm if thunderstorms occur. Current water levels and flows in Spencer Creek watercourses are already elevated and near thresholds for significant water safety concerns. In other watercourses, water levels are near baseflow conditions. Despite the high-water warning, Bastien assured that there are currently no significant watercourse flooding concerns.
The HCA’s flood watch will remain in effect until Friday when it will either be updated or cancelled. Residents are advised to exercise caution near all water bodies and structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams during this time. The authority emphasized the importance of being aware of potential flooding and taking necessary precautions to ensure personal safety.
This severe weather event adds to what has already been one of the wettest Julys in recent memory for Hamilton. Following downpours on July 15 and 16, Hamilton has already surpassed its average monthly rainfall for June of 95.5 mm, based on figures from 1991 to 2020, with a total of 115.9 mm, not including today’s downpour. The continued rainfall has heightened concerns about the potential for flooding and other weather-related hazards in the area.
As the rain fell heavily in downtown Hamilton, authorities continued to monitor the situation closely. The community has been urged to stay indoors whenever possible, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep an eye on local weather updates. The collective efforts of residents, emergency services, and weather authorities aim to mitigate the impact of the severe weather and ensure the safety of all those in the affected areas.
The severe thunderstorm and associated risks have brought the community together, highlighting the importance of preparedness and awareness in the face of extreme weather. Hamilton’s response to the ongoing weather challenges demonstrates the resilience and cooperation of its residents, as they navigate through this particularly wet and stormy July.
PORT ALBERNI, B.C. – RCMP say the body of a second person has been found inside their vehicle after a road washed away amid pouring rain on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Police say two vehicles went into the Sarita River when Bamfield Road washed out on Saturday as an atmospheric river hammered southern B.C.
The body of the other driver was found Sunday.
More coming.
The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
The B.C. Greens say Sonia Furstenau will be staying on as party leader, despite losing her seat in the legislature in Saturday’s provincial election.
The party says in a statement that its two newly elected MLAs, Jeremy Valeriote and Rob Botterell, support Furstenau’s leadership as they “navigate the prospect of having the balance of power in the legislature.”
Neither the NDP led by Premier David Eby nor the B.C. Conservatives led by John Rustad secured a majority in the election, with two recounts set to take place from Oct. 26 to 28.
Eby says in a news conference that while the election outcome is uncertain, it’s “very likely” that the NDP would need the support of others to pass legislation.
He says he reached out to Furstenau on election night to congratulate her on the Greens’ showing.
But he says the Green party has told the NDP they are “not ready yet” for a conversation about a minority government deal.
The Conservatives went from taking less than two per cent of the vote in 2020 to being elected or leading in 45 ridings, two short of a majority and only one behind the NDP.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2024.
The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
Toronto FC captain Jonathan Osorio is making a difference, 4,175 kilometres away from home.
The 32-year-old Canadian international midfielder, whose parents hail from Colombia, has been working with the Canadian Colombian Children’s Organization, a charity whose goal is to help disadvantaged youth in the South American country.
Osorio has worked behind the scenes, with no fanfare.
Until now, with his benevolence resulting in becoming Toronto FC’s nominee for the Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award, which honours an MLS player “who showed outstanding dedication to charitable efforts and serving the community” during the 2024 season.”
Other nominees include Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter and CF Montreal goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois.
The winner will be announced in late November.
The Canadian Colombian Children’s Organization (CCCO) is run entirely by volunteers like Monica Figueredo and Claudia Soler. Founded in 1991, it received charitable status in 2005.
The charity currently has four projects on the go: two in Medellin and one each in Armenia and Barranquilla.
They include a school, a home for young girls whose parents are addicted to drugs, after-school and weekend programs for children in a disadvantaged neighbourhood, and nutrition and education help for underprivileged youth.
The organization heard about Osorio and was put in contact with him via an intermediary, which led to a lunch meeting. Osorio did his due diligence and soon got back to the charity with his decision.
“It was something that I wanted to be a part of right away,” said Osorio, whose lone regret is that he didn’t get involved sooner.
“I’m fortunate now that to help more now that I could have back then,” he added. “The timing actually worked out for everybody. For the last three years I have donated to their cause and we’ve built a couple of (football) fields in different cities over there in the schools.”
His father visited one of the sites in Armenia close to his hometown.
“He said it was amazing, the kids, how grateful they are to be able to play on any pitch, really,” said Osorio. “But to be playing on a new pitch, they’re just so grateful and so humble.
“It really makes it worth it being part of this organization.”
The collaboration has also made Osorio take stock.
“We’re very fortunate here in Canada, I think, for the most part. Kids get to go to school and have a roof over their head and things like that. In Colombia, it’s not really the same case. My father and his family grew up in tough conditions, so giving back is like giving back to my father.”
Osorio’s help has been a godsend to the charity.
“We were so surprised with how willing he was,” said Soler.
The TFC skipper has helped pay for a football field in Armenia as well as an ambitious sports complex under construction in Barranquilla.
“It’s been great for them,” Figueredo said of the pitch in Armenia. “Because when they go to school, now they have a proper place to train.”
Osorio has also sent videos encouraging the kids to stay active — as well as shipping soccer balls and signed jerseys their way.
“They know more about Jonathan than the other players in Colombia,” Figueredo said. “That’s the funny part. Even though he’s far away, they’ve connected with him.”
“They feel that they have a future, that they can do more,” she added. “Seeing that was really, really great.”
The kids also followed Osorio through the 2022 World Cup and this summer’s Copa America.
Back home, Osorio has also attended the charity’s annual golf tournament, helping raise funds.
A Toronto native, he has long donated four tickets for every TFC home game to the Hospital for Sick Children.
Vancouver’s Berhalter was nominated for his involvement in the Whitecaps’ partnership with B.C. Children’s Hospital while Montreal’s Sirois was chosen for his work with the Montreal Impact Foundation.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 21, 2024.
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